FLY BOX: Neon Nightmare

Intro

When it comes to fishing tiny bugs in tailwaters, sometimes it can be better to stand out than blend in. And as far as standing out in the best way possible goes, the Neon Nightmare is at the top of the class.

Created by fly fishing guide and Umpqua Feather Merchants Signature Tyer Matt McCannel, the Neon Nightmare was designed to imitate the shape of a typical midge larva. But instead of a black, a brown, or another natural color, the pattern is tied in either a Fl. Pink or Orange color. The classic midge profile combined with a gaudy color scheme results in a pattern that can fool fickle trout munching on midges.

“I developed this Midge Larva pattern to stand out in the crowded midge hatches that we see on our tailwaters through out the winter and spring. No, this pattern does not have any colors that are found in midge larva, but fish can’t resist the color combos that are incorporated into this pattern. This is one of my go-to midge patterns during a heavy midge hatch. I typically run this pattern as my point fly on a two fly rig with a more natural colored fly as my trailing fly.”
— Matt McCannel

Applications

CATEGORY: Nymph - Midge

TARGET SPECIES: Trout

Matching the hatch can be important in tailwater fisheries that receive tons of pressure. Being able to imitate the resident bug species that the trout are keying in on can mean the difference between a banner day and the dreaded skunk. But what do you do when your natural patterns aren’t attracting attention during prolific midge hatches? Enter the Neon Nightmare.

This midge pattern is a terror in Colorado’s Front Range tailwaters like the South Platte and the Blue River. Remember: the resident trout in these fisheries are seeing flies every single day, 365 days a year. They become accustomed to silver, gold, or copper beads. They start to recognize the weighted midge patterns and all the classic tailwater flies.

The Neon Nightmare offers those picky trout something different. It does not have a bead, but the pattern’s thin profile and the 2488H (a heavier hook than the TMC 2488) it is tied on helps it sink. That said, it doesn’t need to sink too far to be effective.

This midge fishes well from the middle of the water column to a few inches below the surface. Tie this fly onto an 8”-12” piece of fluorocarbon tippet, attached as a tag via a double surgeon’s knot. Use a pattern with a heavy tungsten bead as your anchor fly, like a Thread Frenchie, Roza’s Red Tag Jig, or a Zirdle Bug.

VIDEO: Anglers All

About the Tyer

Matt McCannel, RIGS Fly Shop / Umpqua Feather Merchants

Head fishing guide for RIGS Fly Shop Matt McCannel has been leading newcomers and experienced anglers alike on successful trips for more than a decade. Since 2005, he’s been guiding for RIGS full-time, passionately making his clients better anglers. Matt takes a unique, out-of-the-box approach to fly fishing and instruction, with an emphasis technical tailwater trout. Intimately familiar with the waters of Western Colorado, Matt guides in the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison Gorge and on the Uncompahgre River tailwater “Paco” where he’s helped clients successfully catch Browns up to 19.4 lbs. He’s been known to carry a ladder with him on his Sight Fishing Trips, so he’s always got an eye on Browns hiding in even the deepest holes. Above all, his focus is on giving you the most enjoyable experience, and getting his clients into the biggest fish — period. His unique ability to teach and explain even the most intricate details is the key to the success of his clients, and has made him one of the most sought-after guides in the nation.

(via MattMcCannelFlyFishing.com )

Material List - Neon Nighmare (Fl. Pink)

HOOK: Tiemco 2488H (#18 - #24)

THREAD 1: UTC 70 (White)

THREAD 2: UTC 70 (Fl. Pink)

CLEAR COAT: 5-Minute Epoxy OR Loon Clear UV Fly Finish (Thin)

VIDEO: Bob Reece

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